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entertainment for the commercial bank, finance and leasing industry

kitmenkin@leasingnews.org
   

 

Monday, April 8, 2013


 

Today's Equipment Leasing Headlines


Archives - April 8, 2009
 SunBridge Capital Pushed into Chapter 11
  Classified Ads---Sales
Leasing Association Membership Echoes Economy
 by Christopher Menkin
  Leasing Conferences—Updates
   ---Networking Never Needed as Much as Today
States Move to Using Driver’s Licenses for the
 Official Name for Secured Transactions
  By Tom McCurnin, Leasing News Legal News Editor
   Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
    Why Lease?
 Sales Makes it Happen by Christopher Menkin
  Ten Advantages in Leasing
   Second Interview: Over Lunch? What Now?
    Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII
  Arizona Real Estate Failures Take Bank Down
   Board of Directors at Fault
    by Christopher Menkin
      Top Stories (April 2-April 4)
       (You May Have Missed)
         Classified ads—Accounting / Aircraft / Appraisals
       Chihuahua/Shiba Inu Mix
        Seattle, Washington Adopt-a-Dog
News Briefs---
 Wells Fargo Strategic Move to Aircraft Leasing
  Former Georgia bank exec sentenced to prison
   Frommer's to resume print travel guides
    How ADP Turns Payroll into Cash

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (collection)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months

  You May have Missed---
   SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer
    Sports Briefs---
      California Nuts Brief---
       "Gimme that Wine"    
          This Day in American History
         SuDoku
           Daily Puzzle
             GasBuddy
               Weather, USA or specific area
                 Traffic Live----

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release” and was not written by Leasing News nor information verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “by line.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.

 

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[headlines]
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Archives - April 8, 2009
SunBridge Capital Pushed into Chapter 11


(Edited from original due to length)

Bank of Kansas City holding an original portfolio of $97 million, now down to $76 million, filed a motion for relief and the action appears to have pushed SunBridge Capital into a voluntary Chapter 11. There appears to be over $100 million in debt. Three creditors claiming to be owed more than $102,000 have filed a Chapter 7 involuntary bankruptcy petition against SunBridge Capital Inc., Kansas City, Kansas on March 20, 2009. There appears to be more to follow, as local banks seem to be holding the bag as well as Lakeland Bank, HSH Norbank, and Midwest Bank.

A meeting of Creditors 341(a) meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM at KC Room 173, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Kansas.


Adrian Weber, President-CEO, SunBridge Capital
(Photo: Archive)

SunBridge CEO Adrian Weber and other witnesses were called to a meeting yesterday, April 7, 2009 at 2:00pm with other witnesses to appear, including those “necessary for rebuttal, foundation, impeachment, or authentication.”

Chapter 11 Filing:
SunBridge_files_Chapter_11_Voluntary_Bankrutpcy.pdf

Previous Stories
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/April%202009/04-03-09.htm#push
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/November%202008/11-14-08.htm#sun
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/July%202008/07-14-08.htm#sun


TODAY, April 8, 2013

(Photo: www.linkedin.com/pub/adrian-weber/11/679/48b)
President, ClearWest Capital

"Our distinctive approach to equipment leasing combines experienced leadership, an analytical approach to portfolio-building and operations, channel-based marketing and dedication to developing and employing technology to constantly improve our quality, competitiveness and efficiency."
http://www.clearwestcapital.com/

"Adrian Weber – President. Adrian has spent over 17 years in executive positions within the leasing industry. Prior to joining ClearWest Capital in June 2010, Adrian was the Chief Executive Officer and President of SunBridge Capital, Inc. This company was founded in 1997 and in 2007 Adrian and his partners sold the business to an investor group. Under his leadership and direction, Adrian grew the company from $1 million of lease contracts under management to over $300 million."
http://www.clearwestcapital.com/about.html

(Note: In addition to the news story, if you open up the Chapter 11 Voluntary Bankruptcy filing (PDF) above, you will see Adrian Weber signed it as "president and ceo," dated April 5, 2009.)


((Please click on ad to learn more))
(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)



[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Classified Ads---Sales


(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment
or looking to improve their position)

Central Valley, California
6 years sales, management, marketing, business development, budget planning, finance. Proven track record challenging and competitive situations. Expert: healthcare, banking, and entrepreneurship. dsp559@outlook.comResume
Garfield, NJ
15 years experience small to large ticket sales exp. All types of equipment industries. Vendor & direct. Self motivated. Work with leasing company or broker.
Tony Lio tonylio@optonline.net
Montgomery, AL
Individual with 10 years advertising sales exp. & 7 years insurance sales exp. Wants independent contractor situation in Alabama.
Work with leasing company or broker. 334-590-5133
E-mail: billmcneal2003@yahoo.com

Orange County, CA 
25+ yrs. leasing sales/sales mgmt.
Have an established office w/Lessee/Vendor following
Request direct funding source to exclusively partner with.
shermbp@gmail.com

San Francisco Bay Area:
15 year Vendor Program Agreement HUNTER. Currently employed at major IT manufacturer captive supporting direct and channel sales. Must have base, commission and benefit package.
E-mail: VdrPgmBizDev@aol.com

Texas/Oklahoma 
15 year lease vet looking for plact to take business.great references. all major equipment types. open to compensation. please contact if interested.
E-mail: bankingdallas@yahoo.com
Remote
MBA, CLP, 20 yrs. experience, highly energy. Ethics, high volume producer Work from remote sales location, for national, independent Lessor/broker
Commission only preferred. E-mail: stefitony@yahoo.com


Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm



[headlines]
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Leasing Association Membership Echoes Economy
by Christopher Menkin

Independent, accurate, and unbiased information
about the Leasing Industry

Loss of Members
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association: 69
National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers: 54
National Equipment Finance Association: 34

Gain of Members
Association of Government Leasing and Finance: 22

Generally at the end of year, there are members who do not renew, and association membership committees work hard to get members to renew, plus also work on new memberships. Thus these numbers may be the true “year-end” for 2012.

ELFA 514 Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
NAELB 503 National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers
AGLF 307 Association of Government Leasing and Finance
NEFA 159 National Equipment Finance Association

There are many other United States leasing associations from cargo containers, fleet, truck, vehicle and specialty equipment as well as business groups, who also may be involved in leasing. The group above represents the entire industry, not just one segment, although each one above is quite distinct in its representation.

While there are many new leasing companies who have entered the leasing marketplace, and others moving into the United States as they see business being available here, such as Elemental Financial, out of Canada, Leasing News continues to hear that business is tough, a lot of effort needs to be made not just to close a deal, but to get it approved. And they experience much indecision from potential applicants.

A Leasing News reader reported:

"I am giving out lots of quotes it seems, but it's important to turn quotes into apps. I follow up with the lead, but they say 'they're thinking about it'", but also worried about whether the timing is right because of the economy. I have also had 3 or 4 deals that I got approved already, but then the customer decided to just hold off and not make the purchase right now.

"After all that work, they walk because they are 'scared' of what might happen with the economy. It's like a broken record, over and over I hear this."

Leasing News has heard from many readers, echoing the same sentiments, and although press releases from many are optimistic, the market place is perplexing, to say the least.

An analysis of the numbers, as well as related association numbers follow in this report.

  3/31 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000
ELFA 514 583 565 582 604 700 741 768 817 780 732 862 873 850
NAELB 503 557 617 696 847 1021 1089 950 731 648 480 433 415 475
AGLFA 307 285 274 250 238 265 277 255 255 255 203 263 343 250
NEFA 159 193 191 210 274                  
EAEL * * * * * 183 181 196 198 180 191 216 227 240
UAEL * * * * * 289 314 314 314 297 248 378 379 589


On the chart, started from 2000, with all figures from the associations themselves, the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers falling from 1,089 members in 2008 to 514 March 31, 2013; over 50%.

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association comes in second from a high of 873 members in 2001 to 514, March 31, 2013, a total loss of 359 members.

On a percentage basis, the largest loss is the National Equipment Finance Association, although they only lost 34. Historically the loss is the highest, considering the merger of the United Association of Equipment Leasing and Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors, at a combined height of 829 members in 2000, to 158 March 31, 2013. Yes, at the time of the merger, there were 70 who belonged to both, but the reality, the numbers in proportion are the most disheartening of the four associations.

Yes, in the last few years there have been many go out of business, merge, retire, or pass away.


It appears the year 2013 was improving for ELFA, but then the sequester hit. The public seems to believe it has not been as bad as it was supposed to be, but jobs available are less, and it appears large corporations are back to holding their cash, and recent studies shown they have not been hiring for quite some time as they had in the past.


3/31 2013 2012 2011 2010
Company Type    


Accountant 7 9 7 6 7
Bank 99 97 81 77 92
Broker/Packager 6 8 9 11 13
Captive 56 64 60 65 56
Collection Agency 3 5 6 11 6
Consultant 23 27 21 28 34
Equipment Management 35 48 55 51 48
Executive Recruiter 2 2 2 3 3
Multi-line Commercial Finance Company 50 54 62 69 72
Investment Bank 3 7 7 8 6
Insurance Company 5 6 4 5 7
Independent Finance Company 128 140 129 125 142
Law Firm 76 91 93 95 90
Publisher 2 2 2 1 1
Software Provider 19 23 24 26 27

514 583 565 582 604

 



1 University/government (2013 member) 
 

To understand the "types:

Membership types:
http://www.elfaonline.org/Membership/?fa=MbrTypes

Membership Dues:
http://www.elfaonline.org/Membership/?fa=QA

The good news first: bank membership is up and continues to improve, Multi-line commercial Finance Up 4, Bank up 1, but the disheartening news: Law Firms down 15, Equipment Management down 13, Independent Finance companies down 12, Captive down 8, and most categories are down.

A new director of membership, Julie Benson, is on board, and certainly management appears everywhere, as well as conferences and programs are well attended and successful in relationship to the economy, but there are less actually in the business and the major firms continue to be the strong champions of the associations. Now if they would only support notification by lessor regarding the expiration of the lease and residual option…

 

The largest loss are brokers:

A membership committee insider told Leasing News:

"Yes, we lost many of them, but the biggest reason for the non-renewals was the cost. We created a huge spreadsheet when we did our calling campaign to try to save as many members as we could. On the spread sheet, we wrote down exactly what the person said as to why they could not renew. The number one reason was they were broke. Yes broke. In fact many said they didn't know if they could even remain in business.

"We also got several that the phone number was disconnected. Things are very stagnant right now, Kit. Independents brokers and lessors are hurting again. Business is slow and all the brokers I talk to each month are telling me it is pretty dead and they are worried. I have some broker friends who also told me they will give this business another 90 days and if things don't get better, they will shut down."

Class
3/31
2012
2011
2010
2009
Associate
23
22
31
38
42
Broker
388
440
499
579
710
Additional Broker
3
4
5
1
1
Funding Source
90
91
82
78
93
Additional Funder
0
0
0
0
1
 
503
557
617
696
847

First, while this may make me unpopular with several listed, many of the funders are really brokers; some have a warehouse line, others claim they participate in the decision by choosing where to send the transaction, and broker-to-broker and even broker-to- broker-to broker is not uncommon.

I personally was concerned when Bank of the West Indirect Leasing pulled their membership because they weren’t seeing the volume or type of business they wanted. After many years of being a member, this certainly was a “red flag” to me.

The small ticket market place is also dramatically changing as many subprime leases are now written as business loans or cash advances, with many of the companies saying " take it easy," we'll do everything---and they do. It then frees up time for experienced and well-connected brokers to work on better deals that spend so much time on some transaction that they can't find a home for.

It should be noted that most of these “cash” transactions are a form of factoring, if not invoices, then cash flow or credit cards, and are primarily for working capital (meaning the companies need the cash.)

Equipment purchases then are down, as well as there are other factors, such as seeing more Equipment Finance Agreements, looking for a better, quicker tax deduction vehicle from the depreciation laws, as well as those who were burned with "fair market value" ends or Evergreen clauses. They don't want to lease, they want to own."

 


In a percentage proportion of membership, the National Equipment Finance Association has lost the most members:

NEFA Membership Summary 3/31
2013
Member Firms
159
193
Regular Members (Brokers/Lessors)
84
108
Services Members (Funding Sources)
33
41
Services Members (Service Providers)
42
44
2012

191

The March 14, 2013 Albuquerque, New Mexico Finance Summit had 140 attending. Dwight Galloway, CLP, RLC Funding, in his Leasing News report on the conference noted: "Despite the fervent efforts of Director Gerry Egan and his team as well as the strong attendance of funders and service providers, the weak turnout of broker-lessors seemed to reflect the reduced number of active brokers and the reluctance or inability of some to spend the time and money to invest for a promising future."


 
3/31
2013
2012
2011
2010
Basic
114
106
100
99
99
Industry Leader
146
118
126
100
93
Individual & Government
21
20
18
22
24
Emeritus
5
5
4
4
4
Limited
21
35
26
25
22
 
307
284
274
250
238

 




03/31: 275
2013:  275
2012:  265

Employees of each corporate member enjoy the benefits of CFA membership.



According to Leasing News archives there were 223 Certified Lease Professionals in 2004. End of March, 2013, it was 166 members. 2012 saw an increase of ten new members, while five retired, making it a total increase of five for the year. And while there were new members in the first quarter, those that did not renew mostly retired, a reflection of the aging of the leasing industry itself.

Good news! There are many new young members who are bringing in their colleagues. Leasing News hopes to hear from them in the “Why I Became a CLP” series.

2007: 204
2008: 179 
2009: 182 
2010: 159 
2011: 174 
2012: 168 
2013: 173
3/21: 166


Arizona Equipment Leasing Association at one time has an estimated 25 members. No official count is available at this time. The group is active. They get together for social and business meetings during the year, even invite speakers.


The Equipment Financing and Leasing Foundation does not have members. It does have a board of directors as well as contributors but is not a “membership organization.” It is under the wing of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.




[headlines]
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Leasing Association 2013 Conferences








Dwight Galloway, CLP, RLC Funding, will be covering
the Annual Conference for Leasing News. Be sure to look for him with any
news you want to share with Leasing News readers.

April 18-20, 2013
Annual Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada

Early Reports are Optimistic for a large turn-out,
 don’t miss this action packed agenda
as well as the great Las Vegas with its shows
and adventures.

(45 Exhibitors as of April 5, 2013)

360 Equipment Finance
AIG Commercial Asset Finance
Allegiant Partners Incorporated
Amazing Face Reading
AmeriMerchant
Amerisource Funding
Axis Capital, Inc.
Bankers Capital
Belvedere Equipment Finance
Blackstone Equipment Leasing, LLC
Blue Bridge Financial, LLC
Bryn Mawr Funding
BSB Leasing, Inc.
Capital Relay LLC
Channel Partners LLC
CLP Foundation
Commerce National Bank
Dakota Financial, LLC
Diversified Lenders, Inc.
EquipmentEngine Financial Services Company, LLC
Financial Pacific Leasing
FirstLease, Inc.
instaCOVER
KS StateBank Baystone Government Finance
Liberty Capital Group, Inc.
Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC
Merchant Cash and Capital, LLC
MicroBilt Corporation
NAELB Benefits (featuring CoreLogic Credco)
NFS Leasing
On Deck Capital
OneWorld Business Finance
Onset Financial, Inc.
Pacific Western Equipment Finance
PacTrust Commercial Equipment Finance
Pawnee Leasing Corporation
Popular Equipment Finance
Preferred Business Solutions
Quiktrak
RLC Funding
Summit Leasing
TEAM Funding Solutions
Tetra Financial Group
TimePayment Corporation
Varilease Finance, Inc.

 

Early Bird Winners
Allan Anderson, A&M Commercial Lending
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Dick Clark, Dick Clark Associates, Inc.
(VIP Welcome Amenity from the Tropicana Las Vegas)

Jeff Edwards, Envision Capital Group, LLC
(Complimentary Club Suite at the Tropicana Las Vegas)

David Griffith, Spectrum Capital
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Cynthia Hood, Classic Financial Services
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Marc Keepman, KLC Financial
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Greg Lile, Midwest Equipment Funding
(VIP Welcome Amenity from the Tropicana La Vegas)

Michael Merriman, Sun First Equipment Finance
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Steve Merz, Fort Wayne Financial Corp.
(VIP Welcome Amenity from the Tropicana Las Vegas)

Murray Schwartz, AMC Leasing
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Steve Westbay, Leasing Specialists, Inc.
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Tina York, Karlan Capital Resources
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Bob Zinn, Capital Leasing Solution
(Round-trip limousine transfer to/from the airport)

Schedule of Events
Schedule PDF

Registration (includes registration fees)

Hotel Reservation

Book Your Flight

There is still time to get reasonable airfares for the conference in April. Check out the low fares we found to Las Vegas from popular cities:

Atlanta - $361
Chicago - $289
Dallas - $218
Denver - $218
Los Angeles - $158
Nashville - $299
Pittsburgh - $382
Portland, OR - $228
St. Louis - $314

Keynote Presentation: How to Have Your Best Year Ever
Presented by: Bryan Dodge, Dodge Development, Inc.

Building a Team That Works Without You
Presented by: Bryan Dodge, Dodge Development, Inc.

Work/Life Balance
Presented by: Bryan Dodge, Dodge Development, Inc.

Professional Development
Presented by: Patrick Sponsel, Sharpe Equipment Leasing, Inc

Broker 101: The Foundation (Part 1) [CLP-CPE Credit]
Presented by: Charles (Bud) Callahan, Jr., CLP, BPB,
National Equipment Leasing, Inc.

Broker 101: The Foundation (Part 2) [CLP-CPE Credit]
Presented by: Charles (Bud) Callahan, Jr., CLP, BPB,
National Equipment Leasing, Inc.

There’s Gotta be a Pony Under Here Somewhere! [CLP-CPE Credit]
Presented by: Bob Teichman CLP, Teichman Financial Training

7th Annual Women in Leasing Luncheon, April 18th 2013
Please contact Katie or Marci for more details at 801-733-8100

Look For:
What Does Your Face Reveal?

Mac Fulfer
2013 Featured Presenter - Mac Fulfer

Face reading gives you an advantage before you even finish shaking hands. Acclaimed face reader Mac Fulfer will explain how the face is a road map with a language of its own, and how understanding its meaning will build relationships that will transform your business. Attendees will receive information that they can see and use immediately. The presentation will cover the scientific basis for face reading and give participants interactive information about what is being said but not spoken. Mac promises "You will never look at another person the same way again!"

About Mac: Mac Fulfer practiced law for nearly 22 years and initially became interested in the practice of face reading for the purpose of jury selection. He quickly discovered that face reading changed his perspective, allowing him to see people more compassionately through the experiences reflected on their faces. Since then, he has researched and developed these skills and presented ideas in workshops across the country. His workshops are in great demand from lawyers, educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies and other venues that have an interest in understanding people.




National Vehicle Leasing Association
April 23-24, 2013 Annual Conference
Worthington Renaissance Hotel
Fort Worth, Texas

Ed Kaye, Advantage Funding, will be covering the
NVLA Conference for Leasing News

 

NVLA Conference Agenda
PDF

Registration fee: $595
($395 for each additional from same company)

To Register: http://nafassociation.com/NVLA_register_1304.php

Reserve Hotel

The conference provides the most comprehensive program for the auto leasing industry with speakers, sessions and valuable discussions on issues relevant to independent consumer and commercial fleet lessors.

Session highlights:

  • Mike North, Katz, Sapper & Miller, NVLA Accounting Counsel will share an update on both financial reporting and tax issues impacting the leasing industry.

  • Tom Webb, Economist,Chief Economist with Manheim to present the economic outlook for the used car market and vehicle leasing.

  • Tom Webb, Chief Economist with Manheim and David Blassingame, AutoFlex Leasing managing partner will share their insights on residual setting strategies.

  • Ed Kaye, president and CEO of Advantage Funding will lead the funding strategies discussion.

  • Roger J. Camping, CVLE, President, RC Auto Corporation, to lead a discussion on brokered leasing.

  • Kelly Kirkendoll, Founder and President, Thrive PR, will present tactics for keeping your leasing company’s name foremost in the marketplace.

  • Ricky Beggs, Senior Vice President, Editorial Director, Blackbook, will give an analysis of market segments for new car fleet lessors.

  • Angela Maynard-Shovein, Partner, Hudson Cook, LLP - legal climate facing fleet and consumer lessors.

  • Michael Cardello, Partner, Morritt Hock Hamroff & Horowitz LLP - legal climate facing fleet and consumer lessors.

  • Melinda Zabritski, Director of Automotive Credit for Experian Automotive to share overview of the current trends in vehicle leasing.

  • Jim Holman, President of Pinnacle Auto Leasing presenting,
    ”To Lease or Not To Lease?”-- That is the Question

  • Angela Maynard Shovein, partner, Hudson Cook LLP to provide a legal overview for ”Lease Here Pay Here” operations

Those “buy here/pay here” dealers involved with leasing will have the opportunity to participate in a specialized lease here/pay here program track. The track will comprehensively cover insurance, legal, accounting technology and funding aspects of the market.



 

September, 2013
Sep 12, 2012
2013 Funding Symposium

 




September 27-28, 2013
2013 NAELB Western Regional
Irvine, California



October 20-22
ELFA 52nd Annual Convention
JW Marriott Grand Lakes-Orlando, Florida




November 1-2, 2013
2013 Eastern Regional
Nashville, Tennessee

 

 

 

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted


Orange, California

Funding Coordinator

Generate documents & addendum's, approve all signed documents, process, working closely with sales team; responsible for developing positive and strong working relationships both internally and externally.
This is a key position, important for
the growth of Quick Bridge funding

For more description of duties and requirements,
please click on position

www.quickbridgefunding.com
Quick Bridge Funding provides working capital loans
to small and mid-sized companies throughout
the United States. With an innovative program
we provide capital to an to an under-served market.

 

 
 


Business Development Officer
Baltimore-Washington DC Area

Existing client base a plus, work from
corporate office as needed.
Salary plus commission structure,
benefits, expense plan.
Allan Levine 443 796 7337
Nancy Pistorio 443 796 7325
Email: Alevine@madisoncapital.com
or npistorio@madisoncapital.com
A great place to work

www.madisoncapital.com
35 years equipment & vehicle financing full service direct funder
for small to mid-ticket transactions,
with syndication abilities for large ticket.

 

 

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

[headlines]
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States Move to Using Driver’s Licenses for the
Official Name for Secured Transactions
By Tom McCurnin
Leasing News Legal News Editor

July, 2013, is the Date Set For The New Law, Which Requires Lenders
to Use a Debtor’s Driver’s License to Establish the Legal Name of Debtor. New Revision Provides Some Much Needed Certainty in What the Debtor’s Legal Name Is.

Uniform Commercial Code § 9-503 .

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." --William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene2

While Juliet Capulet believed that names don’t matter, the courts have taken a different view about the debtor’s name and the ability to properly search for prior financing statements in the office of the Secretary of State.

In order to have a perfected security interest, the secured creditor has to file under the debtor’s name. While there has been some issues with minor misdescriptions involving corporations, they usually occur as a result of an error on the part of the secured lender,

But if the secured creditor’s debtor is a human being, the courts have been all over the map on legal decisions, and the blame is really due to the statute, which has no legal definition of the “legal name” of the individual.

I have reported here numerous cases involving individual debtors who have a birth certificate with one given name, a driver’s license with another name, and files taxes, or possess a passport or a social security card under a completely different name. I have repeatedly counseled my clients to make multiple searches and filings by alternative versions of the name, which raises transaction costs. However, we typically pass those costs on to the debtor. Many States became so frustrated with the law that they undertook to fix it by making various statutory fixes.

In 2010, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws addressed the problem at various conferences and debated birth certificates, social security cards, passports, and drivers’ licenses as proof positive what a person’s name was. With some misgivings, the Commissioners settled on drivers licenses as establishing a person’s legal name. There is some inherent logic to the choice, as most Americans have a driver’s license, Indeed, most lenders are already collecting driver’s licenses as part of their duties under the Patriot Act and their own “know your customer” internal policies.

The 2010 Amendment has now passed all 50 States, and is due to go into effect in July, 2013.

The revisions to Uniform Commercial Code § 9-503 establish two ways to be perfected, Alternatives “A” and “B,” and it is up the individual State to select which of the two alternatives that State wants to use.

Alternative “A.” Most States have selected this alternative. This provides that, if the debtor holds a driver’s license issued by the state where the financing statement is filed, the debtor’s name as it appears on the driver's license is the name required to be used on the financing statement.

If the debtor does not have such a driver’s license, either the debtor’s actual name or the debtor’s surname and first personal name may be used on the financing statement.

Thus, in Alternative “A” States, the creditor must make sure the debtor has a driver’s license in the State in which the filing is being done and must assure itself that the license is unexpired. That name, in the exact order stated on the license, is the one to use. If the debtor has no driver’s license, then the creditor is back to square one.

I still believe that many creditors will continue to do multiple filings and searching on name variations.

Alternative “B.” Alternative “B” is a bit of a throw back and catch-all and provides that the debtor’s driver’s license name, the debtor’s actual name or the debtor’s surname and first personal name may be used on the financing statement.

What Are the Anticipated Problems With Revised § 9-503? There has been much discussion amongst us UCC lawyers about the details of these revisions, including

• Name on License. Some States have the surname first, followed by the rest of the name. Some States have the first name first, followed by the surname. Some States do not clearly identify the surname or it is hyphenated. The answer to this question is up the individual States, who are developing new forms. Again, many creditors may do multiple filings on name variations, but it would unusual for a lender not to use the exact name on the driver’s license, when the statute gives the lender a safe harbor.

• Suspended Licenses. If the debtor’s driver’s license is suspended, is the name on the license still his or her legal name? Some States request the physical license to be surrendered when suspended, so the debtor would not have a physical license to review. However, if the suspended license is not expired, the name on the license is still the debtor’s legal name. The requirement for a driver’s license is not to assure that the borrower can drive, but for identification purposes. In those States in which physically collect suspended licenses, the borrower would not have possession of it, and so the lender would not be able to review it, and hence would be at risk.

• Will State ID’s Suffice? A State issued ID will probably not suffice for identification purposes, unless the State adds that language to its version of Alternative “A.” A legislative note to the section suggests that states may wish to replace the bracketed words with a phrase meaning "driver's license or identification card" if the circumstances are such that, at any given time, any given individual may hold either a driver's license or an identification card but not both.

What Can the Equipment Lessor Do To Comply With Revised UCC § 9-503?

The secured creditor should consult the law of the State where the debtor resides and comply. In either alternative “A” or “B,” the driver’s license of the debtor, however it is listed, is the debtor’s legal name.

The secured creditor should consider making multiple filings and searches under name variations, the most common would be to list the exact name on the driver’s license, and if does not list the surname first, to list the surname (with any hyphenated names) followed by a comma, then the first name.

While standard operating procedure in most banks and leasing companies, the equipment lessor should obtain a copy of the driver’s license and insure that the license is not expired. Driver’s licenses may be faked, and remote lenders, like equipment lessors, will not have the opportunity to physically inspect the actual license. If the dollar size of the deal warrants it, the lender might insist that the debtor provide consent for the department of motor vehicles to issue a certified copy of the driver’s license data, or the lender may want to consider conducting a physical, old school, closing where the physical license is produced.

The secured lender should be on the look-out for new UCC-1 Forms, which hopefully will be consistent with the State of filing’s election of the particular alternative, and that State’s treatment of the driver’s license name format. I also understand that the form for corporate debtors will be simplified, and may eliminate the corporate number and other surplusage other than the exact corporate name.

Finally, the secured lender should consider using title insurance companies to perform searches and do the actual filing for individual debtors. Since the title insurer will be on the hook for a botched search or filing, the insurer will get it right.

Alternate A, Alternate B
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/AlternateAAlternateB_42013.pdf

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California.

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ave.
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Direct Phone: (213) 617-6129
Cell (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Visit our web site at www.bkolaw.com
Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org

Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leasing_cases.html

 


 

Bookmark us

 

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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP


Why Lease?

2013 is an interesting year for leasing. We continue in the turmoil of wondering when the accounting rules will change. The interest in leasing will also change as the income tax concerns will take over from accounting advantages. If the accounting changes eliminate the ability to charge lease payments as an expense as they are paid as in operating leases and capital leases remain the accounting treatment, then equipment finance in the form of bargain option leases will become dominate. In addition, Equipment Finance Agreements will become more popular.

I believe leasing has popularity with its flexibility to arrange lease payments that match a lessee’s cash flow. Accounting for leases by lessees will not change and requires a net present value of the lease payments to be equally spread out over the term and the balance called interest taken over the term on the interest method. However, this does not affect the cash payment which follows the irregular schedule established in the lease agreement.

The terms of most loans are full year terms over 36, 48, or 60 months. Lessors usually ask how long the lessee plans to use the equipment and is there a month during the year when business is slow and the lessee has a chance to replace equipment without disturbing work flow. Then the term of the lease can be for any number of months that ends when the lessee wants.

Just because our bargain option leases are viewed as loans for accounting and tax does not mean we have no advantages over loans. Accounting for leases is different than accounting for loans and our ability to assume residuals and offer bargain purchase options allows us to offer a broad range payment options that are rarely offered in loans.

The last couple of years with accelerated tax depreciation have caused confusion in a lot of lessee’s tax budgets. In some cases they took the depreciation in the year they purchased the equipment which means they have limited or no depreciation to use in following years. Using an accelerated rental payment schedule to match the loss in value of the equipment in its first years of use will allow the lessee to expense higher rental payments than depreciation and interest would allow. This will bring True Leasing back into the market and return us to the old days of tax motivated leases.

We have fallen into a finance mode and have been offering terms that mirror lending terms and lost the ability to sell leasing as a specialized product. It is time to train our sales staff to ask more questions about the use of the equipment and the desired form of lease/financing to meet their current needs instead of just offering level terms and hopefully lower rates.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty-five years and can be reached at WindersConsulting@yahoo.com or 502-649-0448

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

 

Mr. Terry Winders available as Expert Witness. 35 years as a professional instructor to the top equipment leasing and finance companies in the United States, author of several books, including DVD's, as well as weekly columnist to Leasing News. He also performs audits of leasing companies as an expert on documentation, and has acted as an expert witness on leasing for litigation in legal and tax disputes, including before the IRS. He also has taught the senior bank examiners, how to review a bank leasing department, for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. and has trained the examiners for the FDIC on how to prepare a lease portfolio for sale.

Mr. Winders received his Master of Business Administration and his Bachelor of Science degrees from the College of Notre Dame.

502.649.0448/WindersConsulting@yahoo.com

(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

 

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Sales Make it Happen
by Christopher Menkin

 

Ten Advantages in Leasing:

1. Don't have the cash, pay for use over time.
2. Better Management of Cash Flow so can pay bills.
3. Cash for account receivable discounts and other discounts.
4. Less hassle than going to my bank.
5. May help cut overhead with better, faster equipment, computers, et. al.
6. May help in up-grading equipment sooner; better planning/results.
7. Don't need to bring in a partner or investors.
8. Keeps current credit cards and arrangements with other creditors in line.
9. Take advantage of current depreciation allowances.
10. Equipment to improve productivity, efficiency, perhaps cut overhead.

The latest survey indicates the Top Five Reasons for Choosing Leasing: 

1. 95%----Bank won't help me.
2.   2%---Cash flow---Better use of cash.
3.   2%-- Easier to apply for.
4    09%---Dealer Convenience (if he wants to sell, better get me approved)
5.   01%--Tax implications (if I make a profit this year)

Previous Sales Makes it Happen:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html


 

 

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"Second Interview: Over Lunch? What Now?"
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII


Question: I am in the process of interviewing with a new employer. I attended my first interview, and it went very well. The hiring manager requested that I meet him for my second interview over lunch. I have never been in this type of interview setting and would appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Answer: Interviewers like this type of setting - they want to catch you off-guard and get you away from the office environment. The “meal” interview is arguably one of the toughest of all interview situations. The interviewer will be observing you as a whole person - be careful, as the slightest slip could remove you from the candidacy list.

If you are meeting in this kind of setting, it is a good sign the hiring manager already believes you are capable of “doing the job” – you are a strong candidate, but will be under scrutiny. This meeting is often the final hurdle and could lead to a job offer. Make sure you are able to handle surprises and take care to remember your demeanor and social graces

Bottom line: Make sure the hiring manager remains attentive to the positive points of your candidacy and not flustered by you knocking over a glass!

A few tips:

  • See how your potential employer behaves

  • Over ordering can signal poor self-discipline

  • Treat servers well, if not it could reflect negatively on your ability to get along with others and your leadership skills

  • Of course if you want the job, DO NOT drink ANY alcohol, even if just wine--– if pressed, order a club soda: some interviewers will try to use these moments, when your defenses are low, to throw in some zingers – you need to be on top of your game

  • NEVER smoke before or during an interview

Be mindful of your table manners and etiquette (e.g. place settings, etc...) you don’t want to be embarrassed or make your interview more nerve racking – brush up on these skills if necessary (there are plenty of books available):

  • Keep all glasses at the top of your place setting, so you don’t knock anything over while making a point or handing paperwork to your interviewer

  • Be aware of your posture – no slouching and keep your elbows at your side

  • Utensils: work from the outside in

  • PAUSE between mouthfuls and rest your knife and fork on your plate. Don't engulf your food.

Just take time to relax, brush up on your skills and prepare - you will do fine – Good Luck!

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com
Invite me to Connect on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76
Also follow us on Twitter #RIIINFO

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html


Orange, California

Funding Coordinator

Generate documents & addendum's, approve all signed documents, process, working closely with sales team; responsible for developing positive and strong working relationships both internally and externally.
This is a key position, important for
the growth of Quick Bridge funding

For more description of duties and requirements,
please click on position

www.quickbridgefunding.com
Quick Bridge Funding provides working capital loans
to small and mid-sized companies throughout
the United States. With an innovative program
we provide capital to an to an under-served market.

 

 


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Arizona Real Estate Failures Take Bank Down
Board of Directors at Fault
by Christopher Menkin

 


The two branches of Gold Canyon Bank, Gold Canyon, Arizona, were closed with First Scottsdale Bank, National Association, Scottsdale, Arizona, to assume all of the deposits. Founded April 26, 2006, the bank had 12 full time employees at year-end 2012 at their office in Gold Canyon and Peoria.

Gold Canyon is located 40 minutes east of the Phoenix Skyharbor airport, the 2010 census counted a population of 10,064, according to Wikipedia. In reality, the bank was doomed when it first opened and was never profitable. They opened the Peoria branch in 2007, which had a population of 108,364 in the 2000 Census, where the high has gone from 103 degrees in April to 95 in November.

Here are 117 homes that Gold Canyon Bank foreclosure sale had for sale in Gold Canyon, Arizona:
http://www.foreclosurerepos.com/listings/AZ/PINAL/GOLD%20CANYON.html

(relatively small homes, little landscaping, mostly Arizona country, small, $119,000, $133,900, $159,000, several over $200,000)


At the time of closing, Gold Canyon still owed the U.S. Treasury $1.55 million for monies received under the TARP bailout program in June 2009. After making three dividend payments to the U.S. Treasury, Gold Canyon stopped making payments on the loan in February 2010.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 2.92%, end of year 2012, the latest numbers available from the FDIC.

The bank was doomed when it opened, as it not only opened at the wrong time, but by those interested in real estate promotion, and moving into Peoria in their second year was just a dumb mistake. Gold Canyon Bank never profitable from day one:

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Profit
2006 -$758,000
2007 -$1.3
2008 -$1.9
2009 -$2.4
2010 -$1.7
2011 -$1.0
2012 -$1.4

Non-Current Loans
2006 0
2007 0
2008 $636,000
2009 $17,000
2010 $993,000
2011 $2.0
2012 $3.5

Net Equity
2006 $8.9
2007 $7.6
2008 $5.9
2009 $4.8
2010 $2.6
2011 $2.4
2012 $959,000

 


December 23 2011 signed an agreement with Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and Arizona Department of Financial Institutions to improve their lending practices as well as increase capital, as well as plans for loans over $100,000 and 90 days past due. federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/enforcement/enf20120110a1.pdf



Gold Canyon Golf Resort

The Cease and Desist had:
Carlo Karim, Chairman of the Board, managing partner Gold Canyon Golf Resort since 2001, previously executive director of catering, Hilton New York. Dan Govinsky, Director, President & CEO since January, 2005. Previously president/CEO Valley Bank of Arizona (April, 1997- December, 2003, president/ CE), Bank of Scottsdale (November, 1991-September, 1995)

 


(Photo from LinkedIn web site of Aaron Saunders
www.linkedin.com/in/aaronsaunders7 )

When the bank opened, chairman of the board was Aaron Saunders, Broker/Owner of the MacArthur Reality Group, who February, 2011 was noted on Linkedin.com as senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Fairway Commercial Lending.
www.linkedin.com/in/aaronsaunders7/

The Gold Canyon Bank board also had a mortgage broker firm, a real estate management and investment firm. Heavily run by real estate promoters.


Press Release re: Opening of Bank and personnel:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/Gold-Canyon-42013.pdf

December 23 2011 the bank signed an agreement with Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and Arizona Department of Financial Institutions to improve their lending practices as well as increase capital, as well as plans for loans over $100,000 and 90 days past due.

By the time the year-end came out, it was too late to attract more capital, whether possible earlier or not, it was just too late as non-current loans for this small bank reached $2 million and the bank equity had gone from $8.9 million in 2006 to $2.4 million in 2011. federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/enforcement/enf20120110a1.pdf

Charge Offs
2006 0
2007 0
2008 $233,000 ($126,000 nonfarm-nonres., $107,000 construction-land
development)
2009 $615,000 ($326,000 construction/land.,$289,000 commercial
industrial)
2010 $1.0 ($430,000 construct.land, $344,000 commercial-ind.,$217,000 1
4 family,$19,000 indiv.)
2011 $225,000 ($130,000 commercial-industrial,$117,0000 construction
land, $8,000 individuals)
2012 $247,000 ($302,000 nonfarm-nonres.,-$39,000 constr.land, -$16,000commercial-industrial.)

Construction and Land, 1-4 family multiple residential, Multiple Family Residential, Non-Farm Non-Residential loans.

As of December 31, 2012, Gold Canyon Bank had approximately $45.2 million in total assets and $44.2 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, First Scottsdale Bank, National Association agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $11.2 million.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2013/pr13026.html

Bank Failure Map--2013 Bank Closed Count:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2013/3_28.htm#failed

List of Bank Failures:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Bank Beat:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Bank_Beat.htm



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Top Stories (April 2-April 4)
(You May Have Missed)


Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:

(1) Bob Putnam Passes Away
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#putman

(2) Popular Equipment Finance Back in the Game
Dale Kluga Named President
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_04.htm#kluga

(3) Archives---April 4, 2001
PinnFund millions are 'all gone'
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_04.htm#archive

(4) On Deck Opens New HQ and is Hiring
---Mayor Bloomberg Visits Their New Digs
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#ondeck

(5) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
To Lease or Not to Lease to “Non-for Profits”
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#nonprofits

(6) Non-Competition Clause in Employment Contract
Invalidated by Georgia court
By Tom McCurnin, Leasing News Legal News Editor
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#contract

(7) Long Time Leasing Attorney Charles Litt Passes Away
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#litt

(8) BancVue Buys Equipment Leasing Company
http://www.americanbanker.com/issues/178_63/bancvue-buys-equipment-leasing-company-1057987-1.html

(9) “I just lost my job----now What?”
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_02.htm#crossroad

(10) Seven Countries Sending the Most People to America
by Douglas A. McIntyre, 24/7WallSt
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2013/4_04.htm#seven



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Classified ads—Accounting / Aircraft / Appraisals

Leasing Industry Outsourcing
(Providing Services and Products)

Appraisals: Boston, MA
Nationwide appraisals, remarketing, audits, inspections and more! Over 15-years industry experience and dedicated to deliver personal, prompt, professional services. 
Call Chris @ 508-785-1277. Email:

chris@dovermanagementgroup.com 

   

Appraisals: National Equipment Appraisal prepares Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraisals. IRS qualified, USPAP Compliant. Nationwide - fast turnaround.
Visit 
www.nationalequipmentappraisal.com 
or
call 714-282-1525.”
Accounting: Dallas, TX
Provide cost effective Sales and Use Tax and Property Tax consulting and administration Services to the leasing industry. Many leasing industry referrals available.
E-mail: mattm@osgsolutions.com 
Accounting: National Property Tax Compliance Services to the leasing industry. Over 60-years experience and fifty Lessors as clients. References and free quotes available, (216) 658-5618,
E-mail gary@avptc.com 
  

Aircraft Delivery: Seattle, WA 
Global Aircraft Delivery ferries all types of aircraft all over the world. We are a unique ferry company moving your aircraft with our expert turnkey operation.
www.globalaircraftdelivery.com 
E-mail:info@globalaircraftdelivery.com

Asset Management: Canada 
Cease Bailiff Services Incorporated:
Asset Investigation/Tracing; Asset Recoveries; Asset Protection/Security
Asset Liquidations/Sales; Ottawa, Canada;www.ceasebailiff.ca dave@ceasebailiff.ca; Phone 613 898 7376 ; Fax 613 225 2452

Asset/Recovery & Collections:
Charlotte, NC
IRTC Continencies: Commercial Collections-Skip Trace- Repossessions-judgment enforcement-Investigations- Asset Re-marketing& No Cost Warehousing East Coast USA. Call 336-877-3077 ask for Robert or
E-mail to Robert@mbsfinancial.com

Nationwide Seasoned anfair priced workforce is at your service for all lease collections, repossessions, and asset liquidations, appraisals.  Call Nassau Asset Management 800-462-7728   dcastagna@nasset.com  

Asset/Recovery: NorthWest 
Sequent provides collateral recovery, remarketing, and storage services to lenders with assets located in the greater Pacific Northwest. Professional services at reasonable pricing. Contactrossr@sequentam.com
Asset Marketing/Recovery: Remarking solutions for big rigs assets and trucking related companies including collections, recovery, repair and re-sales. North South Leasing cell # 586-909-8797bob@nsleasing.com
Appraisals/Asset Recovery
Melville, New York
Auctions, Appraisals, National Repossessions.  ALL asset classes. 20+ year team works for you. Spend less, Net More… Fast!
Ed Castagna 516-229-1968
ecastagna@inplaceauction.com

 


All "Outsourcing" Classified ads (advertisers are both requested and responsible to keep their free ads up to date:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing.htm

How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing-post.htm




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Chihuahua/Shiba Inu Mix
Seattle, Washington Adopt-a-Dog

 



Bingo

Pet ID: 13-2717
Age: six
Weight: 15 pounds
Neutered
Up-to-date with routine shots
Primary colors: Black, Yellow, Tan, Blond or Fawn
Coat length: Short

B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, and Bingo was his name-o! Bingo is an easy to handle, calm and gentle little guy. Not to mention cute! He finds himself at the shelter only because his people moved, and were unable to bring him along. At six years old (and about 15 pounds), he's not overly energetic and is happy with leisurely walks around the neighborhood.

Bingo really prefers humans to other dogs, and would like to have you all to himself, so no other dogs (or cats) in the home please. And, due to his sensitive nature, an adult only home with some prior dog experience would be best. Bingo has an independent spirit and is not the super-cuddly type, but he is friendly and likes hanging out with humans. He'll be a loyal and true companion for some lucky folks!

Seattle Animal Shelter, Seattle, WA
206-386-7387
2061 15th Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Wednesday - Sunday)

 

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

 

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News Briefs----

 

Wells Fargo Strategic Move to Aircraft Leasing
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1319671-wells-fargo-s-new-strategic-move?source=feed

Former Georgia bank exec sentenced to prison
http://www.ajc.com/news/business/former-bank-exec-sentenced-to-prison/nXDkj/

Frommer's to resume print travel guides
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2013/04/06/Frommers-to-resume-print-travel-guides/UPI-31271365282780/

How ADP Turns Payroll into Cash
http://www3.cfo.com/article/2013/4/people_adp-jan-siegmund-hr-technology-payroll-automatic-data-processing

 


[headlines]

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---You May Have Missed

Hero with a $20,000 heart: Wal-Mart worker honored for returning cash left in cart
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020721491_walmartxml.html




[headlines]

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer


SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer


Depression Myths & Truths---Take the Quiz
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/quizzes_start.asp?quizid=41

 

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Baseball Poem

 

Three Short Ones

  End of Winter

    by Eve Merriam

Bare-handed reach
to catch
April's
incoming curve.
Leap higher than you thought you could and
Hold:
Spring,
Solid,
Here.

Published: A Sky Full of Poems (1964)

  Short One by
    Alan Cohen

Baseball
Baseballs flying
Fans cheering loud and clear
Innings pass, pitchers striking fast
Baseball.

  Haiku Baseball
   by 
    Mike Schacht

Ricochet foul ball
Scatters fans like bowling pins
Souvenir bruises

 



[headlines]

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Sports Briefs----

 

Clippers bludgeon Lakers to sweep battle of Los Angeles
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/04/07/los-angeles-lakers-vs-los-angeles-clippers-kobe-bryant-dwight-howard-chris-paul-blake-griffin/2061327/

Knicks win 12th straight, earn highest win total in 13 years
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/

San Jose Sharks lose in shootout 5-4 to Dallas Stars
http://www.contracostatimes.com/sharks/ci_22975232/san-jose-sharks-lose-shootout-5-4-dallas

Giants receive World Series rings in pre-game ceremony
http://blogs.sacbee.com/bay-area-baseball/2013/04/giants-receive-world-series-rings-in-pre-game-ceremony.html

Seahawks to check out four potential backup QBs
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-seahawks-check-four-potential-193020794--nfl.html

 

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---


Schwarzenegger: California's silent disaster
By Arnold Schwarzenegger
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0408-schwarzenegger-climate-report-20130408,0,6026654.story

Chief Tries to Infuse Yahoo With a Start-Up’s Spirit
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/technology/chief-tries-to-infuse-yahoo-with-a-start-ups-spirit.html?ref=business&_r=0

Mendocino County drowning in alcohol
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130407/ARTICLES



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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

From Beaujolais, Easygoing Overachievers---Eric Asimov
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/dining/reviews/from-beaujolais-great-wines-at-affordable-prices.html?ref=dining

New Thinking in the Brett Debate
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?

Arts in April spotlights relationship between wine, art
http://napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/arts-in-april-spotlights-relationship-between-wine-art/article_8e1c1dfe-9cb8-11e2-a1b6-0019bb2963f4.html

Hugh Johnson cellar to go under the hammer
http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/583768/hugh-johnson-cellar-to-go-under-the-hammer

Female Winemaker Series: Oregon's Luisa Ponzi
http://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/04/04/female-winemaker-series-oregons-luisa-ponzi/

 

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm


[headlines]
----------------------------------------------------------------

This Day in History

 

  Birthday of the Buddha. Among Buddhist holidays, this day is the most important as it commemorates the birthday of the Buddha. It is also known as the Day of Vesak. The founder of Buddhism had the given name Siddhartha, the family name Gautama and the clan name Shaka. He is commonly called the Buddha, meaning in Sanskrit "the enlightened one." He is thought to have lived in India from c. 563 BC to 483 BC. Some countries celebrate this holiday on the lunar calendar, so the date changes from year to year but it always occurs in either April or May. This day is a holiday in Indonesia, Korea, Singapore and Thailand.
    1726-Morris Lewis, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born at Westchester County, NY. Died Jan 22, 1798, at Morrisania Manor at NY
All of the Morris property and nearly all of his wealth had been destroyed in the revolution.  Morris should have left Congress to ward off an impending British attack on New York which, by the end of June, had not occurred. Instead, Morris was on hand to sign the Declaration, even though he knew that a large British army had landed within a few miles of his estate, that their armed ships were lying within cannon shot of his homestead, and that his extensive possessions would probably be pillaged. "Damn the consequences, give me the pen," Morris is said to have shouted. Soon after, more than a thousand acres of woodland, all located on navigable water, were burned, his house was ransacked, his family driven away, his livestock captured, his domestics and tenants dispersed, and the entire property laid waste and ruined. For the next six years, he and his family suffered many privations, until the evacuation of New York City. Early in 1777, he relinquished his seat in congress to his half-brother, Gouverneur, on which occasion that body passed a resolution complimenting him and his colleagues "for their long and faithful services." http:www.lewismorris.com/
   1731-William Williams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born at Lebanon, CT. Died there Aug 2, 1811. http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/williams.htm
    
1823 - Marines chased pirates east of Havana, Cuba.
    1832 - Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry left Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.
   1834-previously, mayors had been chosen by a board of the Common Council but the first city major was elected in New York City when Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, a Democrat, defeated Gulian Crommelin Verplanack, a Whig, in the three-day election which ended April 10.  There were 34,988 votes cast, of which 17,573 were for Lawrence, 17,393 for Verplanck, and 22 for others.  Seven other municipal officers were also elected.
    1855--Stonemasons were laying the foundation of Ft. Point. Massive granite blocks were coming 
from Monterey for the construction. A top tourist destination today. 
    1865 - General Robert E. Lee's retreat was cut off near Appomattox Court House. Lee requested to meet with Gen Ulysses Grant to discuss possible surrender. 
   1872-African American playwright, born at Glasgow, MO. Best known for prize-winning comedy The Church Fight, which was published in Crisis (a publication of the NAACP) in May 1926.
    1872-the "Father of Canadian Rodeo," O. Raymond Knight was born at Payson, UT. His father, the Utah mining magnate Jesse Knight, founded the town of Raymond, Alberta, in 1901. In 1902 Raymond produced Canada's first rodeo, "Raymond Stampede." He also built rodeo's first grandstand and first chute in 1903. O. Raymond Knight died Feb 7, 1947.
   1873-Alfred Paraf of New York City, who organized the Oleo-Margarine Manufacturing Company, obtained a patent on his process for purifying and separating fats. 1886, Congress imposed a tax regarding the manufacturer, importing and exporting of oleomargarine.” 1877 New York enacted “ an act for protection of dairymen and to prevent deception in sales of butter.”
   1886- Alice Throckmorton McLean, president American Women's Voluntary Services in WWII with a working membership of more than 325,000 who did everything from selling bonds to teaching, to mechanical work to air raid defense management.       Her mother was one of the founders of the day nursery school movement. (Studied the British, Finnish, and Swiss volunteer organizations and founded the AWVS in 1940 as a private organization.)      At first no one knew what to do with the organization since the U.S. was still at peace and there was a prevailing belief among many politicians of isolationism and, of course, women's worthlessness except as mothers and housekeepers. The AWVS gave first aid classes and women joined by the thousands. They were involved in defense photography, map reading, child care, workshop, conservation, salvage, canteens, rehabilitation and motor transport, even fruit pickers. They sold a billion dollars worth of War Bonds. They took photographs of men and women in the service for their families back home, made and reconditioned clothing for children and babies, and chauffeured almost 400 military cars. They knew what to do even if the politicians didn't.   1904-Hirsch Jacobs, thoroughbred trainer and owner born at New York, New York.  Jacobs became a trainer in 1923 and was particularly adept at selecting horses in claiming races.  He saddled 3,596 winners and earned $15,340,354.   died at Miami, FL, Feb. 13,1970.
    1909—Birthday of novelist John Fante.http://www.canongate.net/people/pep.taf?_p=2154
    1912-Sonja Henie, Olympic gold medal figure skater, born at Oslo, Norway. Henie competed in the 1924 Winter Olympics when she was just 11, but finished last in ladies' singles. She won gold medals at the Winter Games of 1928, 1932 and 1936. She became a professional skater and an actress (Sun Valley Serenade). Died Oct 13, 1969.
   1913-13th   Amendment ratified declaring U.S. Senators to be elected by popular vote, not by the Legislature Amendment.  Prior to this, members of the Senate were elected by each state's respective legislature. The advent and popularity of primary elections during the last decade of the 19th century and the early 20th century and a string of senatorial scandals, most notably a scandal involving William Lorimer, an Illinois political boss in 1909, forced the Senate to end its resistance to a constitutional amendment requiring direct popular election of senators.
   1918 -a big spring snowstorm buried the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia with 34 inches of snow at Wardensville, 30 inches at Moorefield, and 29 inches at Romney. 
   1919 - A tornado swarm in northern Texas resulted in the deaths of 64 persons
   1921-guitarist Leroy Holmes born Woodbine,FL
   1920- Singer Carmen McRae Birthday
http://www.ddg.com/LIS/InfoDesignF96/Ismael/jazz/1950/McRae.html
http://www.gallery41.com/JazzArtists/CarmenMcRae.htm
   1926 - The lightning-set oil depot fire near San Luis Obispo CA boiled over and engulfed 900 acres. Many tornado vortices resulted from the intense heat of the fire. One such tornado traveled 1000 yards, picked up a house and carried it 150 feet, killing the two occupants inside.
   1933- Broadway lyricist Fred Ebb was born. He is best known for the musical "Cabaret," which opened in New York in November, 1966 and ran for 1,166 performances. The original cast included Joel Grey, Jill Haworth and Lotte Lenya. Grey reprised his role in the 1972 film version of "Cabaret," which also starred Liza Minelli. The film won a number of Oscars.
   1935-Congress approved the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Created by 
President Franklin Roosevelt to relieve the economic hardship of the 
Great Depression.  http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/apr08.html
   1939-the first Intercollegiate Rodeo was held at historic Godshall Ranch, Apple Valley, CA. The student cowboys and cowgirls, who hailed from California and Arizona colleges and universities, were assisted by world champion professional cowboys including Harry Carey, Dick Foran, Curley Fletcher, Tex Ritter and Errol Flynn from Hollywood. Collegiate rodeos had been held since 1919 at Texas A&M University. College cowboys and cowgirls organized a national association in Texas in 1949 named National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which continues today as the only national college rodeo organization.
   1943 - Wendell Wilkie's "One World" was published for the first time. In less than two months, sales reached a million copies.  In 1940, he lost the presidential race to Franklin D. Roosevelt by almost five million votes.
    1945--CREWS, JOHN R. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 253d Infantry, 63d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lobenbacherhof, Germany, 8 April 1945. Entered service at: Bowlegs, Okla. Birth: Golden, Okla. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 April 1945 near Lobenbacherhof, Germany. As his company was advancing toward the village under heavy fire, an enemy machinegun and automatic rifle with rifle support opened upon it from a hill on the right flank. Seeing that his platoon leader had been wounded by their fire, S/Sgt. Crews, acting on his own initiative, rushed the strongpoint with 2 men of his platoon. Despite the fact that 1 of these men was killed and the other was badly wounded, he continued his advance up the hill in the face of terrific enemy fire. Storming the well-dug-in position single-handedly, he killed 2 of the crew of the machinegun at pointblank range with his M 1 rifle and wrested the gun from the hands of the German whom he had already wounded. He then with his rifle charged the strongly emplaced automatic rifle. Although badly wounded in the thigh by crossfire from the remaining enemy, he kept on and silenced the entire position with his accurate and deadly rifle fire. His actions so unnerved the remaining enemy soldiers that 7 of them surrendered and the others fled. His heroism caused the enemy to concentrate on him and permitted the company to move forward into the village.
     1946- James Augustus ("Catfish") Hunter, Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, born at Hertford, NC. Died Sept 9, 1999, at Hertford. 
    1949-What television does today, radio did in 1949, drawing our full attention to, three-year-old Kathy Fiscus of San Marino, CA: while playing, she fell into an abandoned well pipe 14 inches wide and 120 feet deep. Rescue workers toiled for two days while national attention was focused on the tragedy. Her body was recovered Apr 10, 1949. An alarmed nation suddenly became attentive to other abandoned wells and similar hazards, and "Kathy Fiscus laws" were enacted in a number of places requiring new safety measures to prevent recurrence of such an accident.
  1950-J.D. Salinger's story “For Esme—For Love and Squalor” appears in the New Yorker magazine.
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/salinger.htm
  1952- President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's steel mills by presidential order in an attempt to prevent a shutdown by strikers. On Apr 29, a US District Court declared the seizure unconstitutional and workers immediately walked out. Production dropped from 300,000 tons a day to less than 20,000. After 53 days the strike ended on July 24, with steelworkers receiving a 16¢ hourly wage raise plus a 5.4¢ hourly increase in fringe benefits.
   1954---Top Hits
Wanted - Perry Como
Cross Over the Bridge - Patti Page
A Girl, A Girl - Eddie Fisher
Slowly - Webb Pierce 
    1955-The first medal of honor to a helicopter pilot was conferred posthumously upon Lieutenant (j.g.) John Kelvin Koelsch of Hudson, NY.   On July 3, 1951, Koelsch and Aviation Machinist Mate George M. Neal volunteered to rescue James V. Wilkins form North Korea.  They took off in a helicopter without fighter escort.  The helicopter was shot down and the three men were captured a few days later.  Koelsch died of malnutrition and dysentery in a Korean prisoner-of-war camp on October 16, 1951.
    1956- The Johnny Burnette Trio makes its TV debut, performing "Train Kept A-Rollin'" on ABC's Ted Mack's Amateur Hour. They will appear two more times on the show, but never win.
    1957- Buddy Holly records "Words of Love," "Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues"
   1962---Top Hits
Johnny Angel - Shelley Fabares
Good Luck Charm - Elvis Presley
Slow Twistin' - Chubby Checker
She's Got You - Patsy Cline 
   1963 - Steve Brooks became only the fifth race jockey to ride 4,000 career winners. 
   1963 - the 35th Annual Academy Awards at Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium (Los Angeles). Frank Sinatra hosted.  Seven Oscars including the #1 award for Best Picture went to "Lawrence of Arabia" (Sam Spiegel, producer) The epic production earned Oscars for David Lean (Best Director); Freddie Young (Best Cinematography/Color); John Box, John Stoll, & Dario Simoni (Best Art Direction/Set Decoration/Color); John Cox with Shepperton SSD (Best Sound); Anne V. Coates (Best Film Editing); Maurice Jarre (Best Music/Score - Substantially Original).  Films of
   1962 included Frank Sinatra's, "The Manchurian Candidate".) : "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Walk on the Wild Side", "The Longest Day", "The Music Man", "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Taras Bulba",. Those that won the top awards other than "Lawrence of Arabia" were "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Best Actor - Gregory Peck; Best Art Direction/Set Decoration/Black-and-White - Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead, Oliver Emert; Best Writing/Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium - Horton Foote); "The Miracle Worker" (Best Actress - Anne Bancroft, Best Supporting Actress - Patty Duke); "Sweet Bird of Youth" (Best Supporting Actor - Ed Begley); and "Days of Wine and Roses" [title song] (Best Music/Song: - Henry Mancini (music), Johnny Mercer lyrics). http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0148906.html
    1963-John and Cynthia Lennon become the proud parents of a baby boy who they name Julian, after John's late mother, Julia. The lad would grow up to have a music career of his own, scoring Top Ten hits with "Valotte" (#9 in 1984) and "Too Late for Goodbyes" (#5 in 1985).
    1964- The Supremes record "Where Did Our Love Go"
    1966-in the last of a series of moves to abolish poll taxes, a three-judge federal court at Jackson, MS, outlawed Mississippi's $2 poll tax as a voting requirement for state and local elections.
    1966- At the Astrodome, the Astros and Dodgers play baseball's first game on synthetic grass. Thanks to the Monsanto chemical company, who proposed using an experimental playing surface of nylon grass, the plan to play on an all-dirt field, necessitated by the need to paint the dome's glass panes to reduce the glare which prevented natural grass from growing, was alleviated by the use of 'Astro Turf'
    1966- The Beatles, "Got To Get You into My Life
    1966---In San Francisco, The Jefferson Airplane opened at California Hall on Polk Street.
    1967-*MICHAEL, DON LESLIE Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 1 73d Airborne Brigade. place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 April 1967. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 31 July 1947, Florence, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4c. Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Sp4c. Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sp4c. Michael exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Sp4c. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Sp4c. Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4c. Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Sp4c. Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4c. Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Sp4c. Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. 
    1968 - The Beatles went gold again, receiving a gold record for the single, "Lady Madonna".
    1968- Petula Clark's first (and only) TV special, entitled simply Petula, airs on NBC, featuring guest star Harry Belafonte performing a duet on an antiwar song she'd written called "On The Path Of Glory." During taping, Clark had reached out to touch Belafonte's arm in a spontaneous gesture, causing the show's sponsor Chrysler to protest, fearing the interracial contact would upset viewers in the American south. As a result, the show is infamous even before it airs: Petula and the show's executive producer, her husband Claude Wolff, respond to the pressure by having all other takes of the duet destroyed so that the gesture would have to be aired. It was, historically, the first interracial contact to be broadcast on American television. (Director Steve Binder would go on to helm Elvis Presley's "'68 Comeback Special" later that year.) 
    1969 – The Montreal Expos, a national League expansion team, played their first regular season game, beating the New York Mets, 10-9, at NY's Shea Stadium. the Expos finished the year in sixth place in the NL East with a record of 52-110. They won their first division title in the strike-shortened 1994 season.
    1969- Neil Diamond becomes the first performer to sell out the Forum in Los Angeles for nine nights consecutively. 
    1970-LITTRELL, GARY LEE Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Advisory Team 21, 11 Corps Advisory Group. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of Vietnam, 4-8 April 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 26 October 1944, Henderson, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sfc. Littrell, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory Team 21, distinguished himself while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army, near Dak Seang. After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, 1 advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except Sfc. Littrell. During the ensuing 4 days, SFC Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance as he single-handedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by Sfc. Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. Sfc. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position. Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sfc. Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.
    1970---Top Hits
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
Let It Be - The Beatles
Instant Karma (We All Shine On) - John Ono Lennon
Tennessee Bird Walk - Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan
    1971- Chicago becomes the first rock group to play Carnegie Hall, in a concert that will be immortalized on their hefty four-disc fourth album. 
   1971-New York City changed the “Sport of Kings” irrevocably by opening the nation's first off-track betting system.  Horseplayers were now able to patronize OTB Parlors instead of going to the track to place their wagers.
   1971 – “Chicago” became the first rock group to play Carnegie Hall in New York City. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Chicago scored big with these hits: "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Saturday in the Park", "Old Days", "Baby, What a Big Surprise", "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and many others. 
    1973-Gilbert O'Sullivan scored his second UK #1 with "Get Down". It reached #7 in the US. 
    1974- Henry (“Hammerin' Hank”) Aaron hit the 715th home run of his career, breaking the record set by Babe Ruth in ~1935. Playing for the Atlanta Braves, Aaron broke the record at Atlanta in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished his career in 1976 with a total of 755 home runs. This record remains unbroken. At the time of his retirement, Aaron also held records for first in RBIs, second in at-bats and runs scored and third in base hits.
    1974-Elton John earns another gold record. "Bennie and the Jets" has John smiling even more as it's a big hit on the R&B charts as well.
    1975 - After a weeklong mission to South Vietnam, Gen. Frederick Weyand, U.S. Army Chief of Staff and former Vietnam commander, reports to Congress that South Vietnam cannot survive without additional military aid.
    1975-April 8, Frank Robinson, professional baseball player, becomes the manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first Black manager of a major league team, 1975 
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/cle/history/cle_history_ti
meline.jsp?period=4 
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_bios/rob
inson_frank.htm 
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/mgrtmci.shtml 
Fair Hill Burial Ground at Germantown Avenue and Cambria Street will celebrate a 300th anniversary at noon on Saturday, April 12th, 2003 . We will dedicate our newly restored fence and landscaped grounds. Children and their families can explore the grounds, learn the stories of famous reformers buried there, and enjoy special activities, good food and community. 
   1975-Frank Robinson made his debut as playing manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first black manager in the major leagues. Robinson hit a home run in his first at bat as the Indians' designed hitter, and Cleveland beat the New York Yankees 5-3.
    1975-Minnie Riperton receives her only gold record for "Lovin' You," her recent Number One record.
    1975 - "The Godfather: Part II" won half of the top six awards at the 47th Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. It won for Best Picture: (Francis Ford Coppola, Gray Frederickson, Fred Roos, producers); Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola); and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro); plus Best Writing/Screenplay Adapted from Other Material (Francis Coppola, Mario Puzo); Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Dean Tavoularis, Angelo P. Graham, George Nelson; and Best Music/Original Dramatic Score (Nino Rota, Carmine Coppola). The other three crowd- pleaser awards went to Best Actor Art Carney for his "Harry and Tonto" role; to Best Actress Ellen Burstyn for her part in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore"; and to Ingrid Bergman as Best Supporting Actress in "Murder on the Orient Express". Hosts Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine, and Frank Sinatra livened up the party, even though murder, intrigue and disaster were in the run. The award for Best Music/Song went to Al Kasha & Joel Hirschhorn for "We May Never Love Like This Again" from the "Towering Inferno". "Inferno" also won for Best Cinematography (Fred J. Koenekamp, Joseph F. Biroc) and Best Film Editing (Harold F. Kress & Carl Kress); while Best Sound went to "Earthquake" (Ronald Pierce and Melvin M. Metcalfe, Sr.) and Robert Towne's "Chinatown" won for Best Writing/Original Screenplay.http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0149298.html
  1978---Top Hits
Night Fever - Bee Gees
Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees
Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton
Ready for the Times to Get Better - Crystal Gayle
    1982 - An act of heroism was credited with holding the death toll to seven in the the firestone that engulfed the Caldecott Tunnel in the Oakland hills. When an AC Transit bus colided with a truck what was towing two trailers of gasoline in the westbound lanes. Steve Rutledge ran back to the tunnel entrance, stopping cars tha would otherwise have driven into the fire. Rutledge's mother, June M. Ruthledge, tried to call for help from an emergency phone inside the tunnel and was consumed by the explosion and flames. 
    1985- The Ellie Greenwich tribute musical Leader of the Pack opens on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre.
   1986- Facing Nolan Ryan of the Astros, Giant rookie Will Clark homers in his first major league at bat.
    1986---Top Hits
Rock Me Amadeus - Falco
R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. - John Cougar Mellencamp
Kiss - Prince & The Revolution
100% Chance of Rain - Gary Morris 
   1986 - It took 18 years of singing the U.S. national anthem, but on this day, at long last, baritone Robert Merrill of the Metropolitan Opera became the first person to both sing the anthem and throw out the first ball at Yankee Stadium for the Yanks home opener.
    1987-for the first time in modern major league history, two 300-game winners pitched for the same t4eam in the same game. Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton combined their pitching talents to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 14-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.  Niekro started for the Indians and earned his 312th career victory. Carlton pitched four shutout innings of relief.
   1989- 26-year-old David Hirsch replaced 59-year-old Dick Clark on "American Bandstand." His debut also marked "Bandstand's" move to the USA cable network from national syndication. Clark had been the host of the program for 33 years, introducing teenagers to Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and Madonna, as well as to such dance crazes as the Twist and the Jerk. The program debuted on a Philadelphia TV station in 1952, and Clark took over in 1956, the year before "Bandstand" went on the ABC network.
   1989 -two dozen cities in the southwest reported new record high temperatures for the date. Phoenix, Arizona hit 104 degrees which tied its record for the month of April set only the day before.
  1990-While we celebrate birthdays, it is perhaps fitting to remember Ryan White today. This young man, born Dec 6, 1971, at Kokomo, IN, put the face of a child on AIDS and helped promote greater understanding of the disease. Ryan, a hemophiliac, contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Banned from the public school system in Central Indiana at the age of 10, he moved with his mother and sister to Cicero, IN, where he was accepted by students and faculty alike. Ryan once stated that he only wanted to be treated as a normal teenager, but that was not to be as media attention made him a celebrity. A few days after attending the Academy Awards in 1990, 18-year-old Ryan was hospitalized and on Palm Sunday lost his valiant fight at Indianapolis, IN. His funeral was attended by many celebrities who wanted to honor him. 
   1990 - Twenty-two cities reported record low temperatures for the date as readings dipped into the 20s and 30s across much of the eastern U.S. Freezing temperatures severely damaged peach and apple orchards in West Virginia, where prolonged mild weather since January had caused an early blooming of spring vegetation. State and Federal agencies estimated a 50 percent loss in production for peaches and "Delicious Red Apples"
   1996 -the first of two late season heavy snowfalls in only three days over the northeast dumped 12 inches of snow at Slide Mountain, New York, 10.2 inches, at Ashburnham, Massachusetts, and 7 inches at Falmouth, Massachusetts. The 6.1 inches at Binghamton, New York brought its seasonal snowfall total to 131.8 inches -- its snowiest winter ever.
   2000-Santana performs at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium with people who collaborated with him on his Supernatural album including Dave Matthews, Lauryn Hill and Everlast.
    2003 In a frigid 35-degree home opener, with the fans chanting his name, Hideki Matsui hit his first major league home run, a grand slam into the right field bleachers. After be greeted with a warm reception in the pre-game ceremonies and a standing ovation after making a great defensive play, Godzilla receives a thunderous applause and curtain call from the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd after his fifth inning bases-full poke against the Twins.
    2010 - A temperature of 80 degrees is measured on Grandfather Mountain, NC, the warmest ever measured in April and three degrees short of the all-time record high for any month.

 

 

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